Food chemists have found that the composition of 50 percent carbohydrates to 35 percent fat particularly stimulates the desire to snack and gluttony. Applied to chocolate, this could be an explanation for the fact that once a bar has been opened, it is often eaten to the end without interruption. But this is certainly no proof of an unbridled sweet tooth. A few tips can help to curb appetite in case of excessive craving for chocolate.
Chocolate: the sweet seduction
On average, one hundred grams of milk chocolate consists of 55 grams of carbohydrates and approximately 32 grams of fat. The rest is protein, water, minerals and other components. In this respect, chocolate corresponds to the aforementioned pattern. However, an increased desire for chocolate can have many causes. One is habit. There is evidence that when hungry, the body craves what is often consumed in that situation. Hormone fluctuations in women are often associated with mood swings. With small tips, it is possible to reduce excessive cravings for chocolate. Serotonin has a mood-lifting effect and chocolate stimulates serotonin production. With increasing stress, the craving for sweets increases in many people. When stressed, the brain uses more energy, which explains the craving for sweets. Deficiency symptoms can also trigger cravings for chocolate and other sweet treats. Chocolate is actually healthy. However, excessive consumption of chocolate can become problematic, when its consequences around the belly and hips can no longer be hidden. Chocolate contains a lot of sugar and fat. Sugar drives up insulin levels. If there is insulin in the blood, fat is stored in the body. Just as quickly as the insulin level has risen, it collapses again. The body cries out for the next piece of chocolate and this cycle never stops. More and more fat accumulates. Finally, the pancreas fails its service and stops producing insulin. In addition to being overweight, diabetes is now added to the mix.
7 Tips to Stop Snacking
1. consciously decide: Do not automatically reach for the next piece of chocolate, but first pause and distract yourself. Walking a few steps, a conscious look out the window can already help to forget the original reflex. If that doesn’t work, it helps to think and consider: Do I really need this now? It can be helpful not to have chocolate within easy reach, i.e. not in your handbag or even in your desk drawer. If access to the object of desire is associated with special activities, it is easier to decide whether it is necessary. 2. do not feel guilty: Those who have then decided to “sin” should not feel guilt. It is better to accept one’s momentary weakness and do better next time. 3. quality instead of quantity: there are big differences in quality when it comes to chocolate. That’s why it’s better to spend a little more money on less. In cheap products, sugar comes first or pure butterfat is used instead of cocoa butter. Ingredients must be listed on the packaging in the order of their quantity in the product. The ingredient that comes first contains the most. For example, sugar is never the first ingredient in a high-quality milk chocolate. If flavorings are mentioned, they come from a chemical factory. Concentrates or fruit powders are of natural origin, but can reduce the shelf life of the chocolate. 4. set special occasions: Habits can be changed – even if it is often very difficult. For example, chocolate could be used as a special reward. Whenever a task has been mastered well or a goal has been achieved, there is a piece of it. Avoid seduction: If you always have chocolate at hand, it is easy to be seduced. It is better to buy good chocolate only on special occasions and not to stock it constantly. 6. dates, figs and Co. – healthy alternatives: sweet fruits contain sugar but not fat at the same time. Since a low blood sugar level is responsible for the craving for chocolate, a sweet fruit or dried fruit is a healthier substitute. 7. drink water: a large glass of water drunk slowly often works wonders.It distracts, fills the stomach and appeases hunger.
Is there a sugar addiction behind it?
While sugar was considered a luxury good one hundred and fifty years ago, today every German consumes an average of 35 kilograms a year. Two-thirds is industrially processed in beverages, baked goods, spreads, convenience foods and dairy products. Scholars argue about whether sugar is addictive. What is undisputed is that excessive sugar consumption is responsible for many health problems. The goal should therefore be to conquer the appetite for chocolate and sweets and avoid sugar traps. If you eat your fill three times a day with whole foods and drink at least two liters of water, you won’t need chocolate in between meals.
Compulsive abstinence is not a solution
Compulsive behavior is dangerous and comparable to addiction. When the body is starved for happy hormones, exercise is an alternative and distraction at the same time. Sports and exercise, properly dosed, make you satisfied in a healthy way and release happiness hormones.